Wednesday, June 17, 2009

CNN's Larry King interviewed standup comic Kathy Griffin and they discussed a variety of topics including those significant to the LGBTQI community. King asked Griffin what that stands for, and Griffin laid out the acronymn for him.

Followed by King's comment asking "what is an intersex?" Kathy Griffin is a comedian, but Larry King is an award winning radio host. How does he not know what intersex is?

Speed up to 8:30 in the video to see the segment in question.

Contact Larry King and let him know that he has an obligation to clarify on air what intersexuality is about for his audience.

The fact that Kathy referred to Chaz as she, and also doesn't know what intersex is, is upsetting. But she is a comedian not a politician. Plus she was only following what Cher said, and even said she wasn't sure how to refer to Chaz.

Larry King on the other hand made the statement in the second clip that now Chaz will be referred to as he, which I thought was positive. I am not mad at Larry King for not knowing what intersex is, I am dissapointed, he can make up for it by explaining it tonight.

I had to Google the word Intersex! This is why I HATE the GAY PRESS! I have been gay all my life. So an old JEWISH GUY DIDN'T KNOW what intersex is. Grow up you crybabies! I am ashamed to be gay when I read crap like this.

This is stupid. I'm a gay man and an info junkie. I didn't know what intersex was either. So, if you want to blame someone, you should blame yourself for not properly spreading around the background knowledge of such an esoteric term. And just because you happen to know a term LK doesn't, that doesn't make you smarter than him or qualified to replace him as CNN talk show host.

I am a young gay man who is involved with many gay charities, politics and even have a foundation that benefits gay charities - I am out and proud - I did not know what intersex was - I understand there are a lot of nuances to how people view themselves but there is a point when it is hard for even members of the GLBT... community to get it right - i have a friend who only wants herself referred to as gender neutral and I can not get it straight, so to speak, 98% of the time. There are certain things we have to just let go of - there is too much in life facing us right now to worry about whether Larry King knew what intersex meant.

You were disappointed that Larry King didn't know what "intersex" meant?

That's a rather strong emotional/intellectual response to Larry King's not being aware of a term that is completely unknown to most of us commenting here as well as to the majority of people watching the show. He cannot know every nuance of every culture that is represented by his guests.

In fact, I'm sure he is aware of the issue itself, like most of us, just not aware of the term signifying it...

In the meantime, why haven't you guys/gals/folks spoken up for sartorphilic/follicphobic/hetero/caucasio-single dudes? Plus, I'm from Arkansas. You throw that into the Venh diagram and it's about a population of 5, at most. Why the f hasn't Larry K talked to me about the issues facing the "sarto...[lots of modifiers in here]...dudes (from Arkansas)"?

The gay community needs an education just like the straight community. Google the word "intersex" and start learning folks. The word has been around for years. And the Chaz comments...totally messed up. You address someone in the gender they identify with, not as an "it" or "pat from snl." Oh, the ignorance......